spang98's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
poati's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, and Car accident
Minor: Death of parent
reginasharinette_71's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book had me at Dior!
I really enjoyed this first book in S.K. Golden's Pinnacle Hotel historical mystery series. What worked for me was the mystery and I loved the setting even though a murder in a hotel is not a new thing in cozy mysteries but I still love it. The mystery is set in the the late 1950s.
Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy spoiled wealthy heiress, lover of all things Marilyn Monroe, Fashionista and she suffers from the teeniest, weeniest bout of agoraphobia and avid readers of mysteries lives at the Pinnacle Hotel that she never leaves or has reason to leave why would she everything she needs is there and if it's not she can always order it and have it delivered. She has a talent for finding lost things and picking locks with her crush Mac and cute furry sidekick Presley.
I was hooked and enjoyed sleuthing along with Evelyn even as she got under Detective Hodgeson's skin but Evelyn was definitely entitled and I found myself at times likes her but more times than not disliking her. I never understood why she felt the need to pick locks since her father owns the hotel and she has every right to go where she wanted to go but I found it endearing that when she needed the concierge or something from the front desk she waited in line with everyone else.
I really don't buy the relationship between Evelyn and Mac Cooper who is a bellhop at the Pinnacle Hotel and comes off as a gold digger. I think the author is going for a Nick & Nora Charles vibe with Evelyn and Mac but I just don't believe them as a couple.
Overall a pretty good debut but I am really, really, REALLY hoping for a lot of character growth as this series (hopefully) continues for many, many books!
I really enjoyed this first book in S.K. Golden's Pinnacle Hotel historical mystery series. What worked for me was the mystery and I loved the setting even though a murder in a hotel is not a new thing in cozy mysteries but I still love it. The mystery is set in the the late 1950s.
Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy spoiled wealthy heiress, lover of all things Marilyn Monroe, Fashionista and she suffers from the teeniest, weeniest bout of agoraphobia and avid readers of mysteries lives at the Pinnacle Hotel that she never leaves or has reason to leave why would she everything she needs is there and if it's not she can always order it and have it delivered. She has a talent for finding lost things and picking locks with her crush Mac and cute furry sidekick Presley.
I was hooked and enjoyed sleuthing along with Evelyn even as she got under Detective Hodgeson's skin but Evelyn was definitely entitled and I found myself at times likes her but more times than not disliking her. I never understood why she felt the need to pick locks since her father owns the hotel and she has every right to go where she wanted to go but I found it endearing that when she needed the concierge or something from the front desk she waited in line with everyone else.
I really don't buy the relationship between Evelyn and Mac Cooper who is a bellhop at the Pinnacle Hotel and comes off as a gold digger. I think the author is going for a Nick & Nora Charles vibe with Evelyn and Mac but I just don't believe them as a couple.
Overall a pretty good debut but I am really, really, REALLY hoping for a lot of character growth as this series (hopefully) continues for many, many books!
clairelee's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
midnightrains's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mrskc4's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
theeclecticbookkeeper's review
4.0
This book has the vibe of "Only Murders In The Building" BUT set in the 50's.
Bought this book through Aardvark book subscription! I'll start by saying, I think this book is probably going for be hit or miss with most people (but who am I to predict how others will feel!) Overall, this was the lighthearted palette cleanser I needed.
Yes, this is a murder mystery book, but it keeps it pretty PG. This is not my normal go-to for books but overall I really enjoyed it! Sometimes I just need a nice *clean* story after all of the dark and disturbing books that normally land on my shelf..lol.
So, why not 5 stars? The MC got on my nerves a little bit. She has a very distinctive rich girl personality that made me roll my eyes occasionally, but I also didn't hate her. She could be quite charming at points.
Long story short: if you are sometime who NEEDS your mystery books to be dark as night and gory...this is not going to be for you. BUT if you are looking for a fun and light hearted murder mystery (with a little bit of romance thrown in) pick this up!
I am looking forward to book #2!
Bought this book through Aardvark book subscription! I'll start by saying, I think this book is probably going for be hit or miss with most people (but who am I to predict how others will feel!) Overall, this was the lighthearted palette cleanser I needed.
Yes, this is a murder mystery book, but it keeps it pretty PG. This is not my normal go-to for books but overall I really enjoyed it! Sometimes I just need a nice *clean* story after all of the dark and disturbing books that normally land on my shelf..lol.
So, why not 5 stars? The MC got on my nerves a little bit. She has a very distinctive rich girl personality that made me roll my eyes occasionally, but I also didn't hate her. She could be quite charming at points.
Long story short: if you are sometime who NEEDS your mystery books to be dark as night and gory...this is not going to be for you. BUT if you are looking for a fun and light hearted murder mystery (with a little bit of romance thrown in) pick this up!
I am looking forward to book #2!
eligross's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
comealongphil's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
krissy0906's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25